Incontinent ileo-vesicostomy urinary diversion in the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction

Urinary undiversion by conversion of the incontinent ileovesicostomy to augmentation ileocystoplasty in spinal cord injured patients

Context: Spinal cord injury (SCI) patients with neurogenic bladder and the inability to self-catheterize may require incontinent diversion to provide low-pressure drainage while avoiding the use of indwelling catheters. We demonstrate that in patients with significant functional improvement, the ileovesicostomy can be a reversible form of diversion, with simultaneous bladder augmentation using the same segment of ileum utilized for the ileovesicostomy. Multidisciplinary management should be utilized to assure mastery of intermittent catheterization before urinary undiversion. This technique allows for transition to a regimen of intermittent self-catheterization with excellent functional and urodynamic outcomes.Design: Case Series.Setting: Tertiary care hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Participants: Three individuals with an SCI.Interventions: Conversion of bladder management from an incontinent ileovesicostomy to an augmentation ileocystoplasty, with intermittent catheterization.Outcome Measures: Ability to regain urinary continence with preservation of renal function as determined by serum creatinine and renal ultrasound.Results: Three SCI patients who had an incontinent ileovesicostomy developed sufficient functional improvement to intermittently self-catheterize reliably and underwent conversion of ileovesicostomy to ileocystoplasty. For each, the ileovesicostomy channel was taken down and detubularized, then used to create an ileal patch for augmentation ileocystoplasty. Intermittent catheterization was then used for periodic bladder drainage. All achieved large capacity, low-pressure bladders with complete continence and stable creatinine.Conclusion: In motivated SCI patients, it is possible to regain continence by converting the ileovesicostomy into augmentation ileocystoplasty, avoiding the disadvantages of a urostomy. A multidisciplinary collaborative approach facilitates the optimal rehabilitation of SCI individuals.

Neurogenic bladder: management of the severely impaired patient with complete urethral destruction: ileovesicostomy, suprapubic tube drainage or urinary diversion-is one treatment modality better than another?

Background

Management of the severely impaired patient (pt) with a neurogenic bladder (NGB) and complete urethral destruction employs three therapeutic options; bladder neck closure (BNC) with ileovesicostomy, BNC with suprapubic tube (SPT) placement or in pts with an end-stage bladder, cystectomy with enteric conduit diversion. This paper was performed to test the hypothesis that pts managed with an ileovesicostomy would have the best long-term prognosis.

Methods

Patients with a NGB and complete urethral destruction managed between 1986-2018 were reviewed. Three treatment populations were assessed, pts treated with BNC with ileovesicostomy, BNC with SPT placement or cystectomy with enteric conduit diversion. A minimal follow-up interval of 2 years was necessary to be entered into the study. The number of uroseptic episodes, development of urolithiasis, the onset of new renal scars, ≥ stage 3 chronic renal failure, or need for additional surgery were recorded. Statistical evaluations used either chi-squared contingency table analysis, Fisher's exact 2-tailed tests, or Kaplan-Meier curve analysis where indicated. P values of <0.05 were considered significant.

Results

Ten pts were managed by cystectomy, and enteric conduit, 17 by BNC and ileovesicostomy and 21 by BNC and SPT placement, median follow up of 8 yrs (range, 2-30 yrs). No significant differences between the three groups regarding the development of urolithiasis (30%, 3/10 pts; 53%, 9/17 pts; 52%, 11/21 pts; respectively), new onset of renal scarring (30%, 6/20 kidneys; 41%, 14/34 kidneys; 45%, 19/42 kidneys; respectively) or stage 3 chronic renal failure (40%, 4/10 pts; 47%, 8/17 pts; 24%, 5/21 pts; respectively. However, the number of hospitalizations for uroseptic episodes significantly increased in patients managed with an ileal conduit (60%, 6/10 pts) and ileovesicostomy (82%; 14/17 pts) compared to those maintained with a SPT (29%, 6/21 pts) P=0.025 and 0.006, respectively. When evaluating the need for delayed surgical intervention due to either urolithiasis or other complications, a total of 50% (5/10 pts) of the patients managed by an ileal conduit, 88% (15/17 pts) of the ileovesicostomy and 52% (11/21 pts) of the patients with a SPT required additional operations. In essence, significantly more pts undergoing BNC and ileovesicostomy required delayed surgical interventions for complications arising from the surgery compared to patients managed with either a cystectomy and ileal conduit (P=0.0285) or BNC and SPT placement (P=0.0180).

Conclusions

In severely impaired pts with a NGB and urinary outlet destruction, BNC and ileovesicostomy are associated with a significantly increased incidence of urosepsis and late surgical complications that required operative intervention compared to alternative treatments. This finding has resulted in the abandonment of the ileovesicostomy from our surgical armamentarium.

Long-term outcomes of urinary tract reconstruction in patients with neurogenic urinary tract dysfunction

The advent of specialized spinal units and better understanding of the pathophysiology of neurogenic urinary tract dysfunction has made long-term survival of these patients a reality. This has, in turn, led to an increase in quality and choice of management modalities offered to these patients including complex anatomic urinary tract reconstructive procedures tailored to the unique needs of each individual with variable outcomes. We performed a literature review evaluating the long-term outcomes of these reconstructive procedures. To achieve this, we conducted a world-wide electronic literature search of long-term outcomes published in English. As the premise of this review is long-term outcomes, we have focused on pathologies where evidence of long-term outcome is available such as patients with spinal injuries and spina bifida. Therapeutic success following urinary tract reconstruction is usually measured by preservation of renal function, improvement in quality-of-life, the satisfactory achievement of agreed outcomes and the prevention of serious complications. Prognostic factors include neuropathic detrusor overactivity; sphincter dyssynergia; bladder over distension; high pressure storage and high leak point pressures; vesicoureteric reflex, stone formation and urinary tract infections. Although, the past decade has witnessed a reduction in the total number of bladder reconstructive surgeries in the UK, these procedures are essentially safe and effective; but require long-term clinical and functional follow-up/monitoring. Until tissue engineering and gene therapy becomes more mainstream, we feel there is still a place for urinary tract reconstruction in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Options for independent bladder management in patients with spinal cord injury and hand function prohibiting intermittent catheterization

AIMS

Choosing the appropriate bladder management strategy for the spinal cord injury patient with neurogenic bladder and hand function prohibitive of self catheterization (urethral or stomal) catheterization is complex and based on limited literature. We have catalogued the available data in this review.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted on external sphincterotomy, suprapubic tube, ileal conduit, and ileovesicostomy between 1994 and 2012. Articles on neurogenic bladder focused primarily on spinal cord injury were included. Important aspects of each technique, patient selection, urologic events, and quality of life are described.

CONCLUSION

The available literature consists primarily of level 3 data. Patient reported outcomes were rarely measured. External sphincterotomy is a good option for males who are candidates for an external catheter and who wish to avoid a complicated reconstruction-most will need re-operations for failure. Suprapubic tube is an option in both genders. Complaints usually involve urine leakage and urinary tract infection, which typically resolve with conservative measures. There is some evidence to support patient satisfaction. Ileal conduit is an option for all patients with quadriplegia, offering continuous drainage and absence of foreign material. Many providers and patients will choose more conservative options first. The ileovesicostomy is best applied to small bladders with severe overactivity. The "reversibility" of this procedure makes it attractive to those not interested in an ileal conduit and who have had complications from prolonged suprapubic tube placement. The authors conclude with recommendations for future research, most importantly more standard reporting of objective data.

Outcomes of incontinent ileovesicostomy in the pediatric patient

PURPOSE

Ileovesicostomy is a reconstructive option in complex urological cases but pediatric specific outcomes are lacking. We report our results with pediatric ileovesicostomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated patients younger than 18 years undergoing incontinent ileovesicostomy at Vanderbilt University. History, urinary tract management and operative course were reviewed in the electronic medical record. Particular attention was given to immediate and long-term postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Nine patients underwent incontinent ileovesicostomy between 2000 and 2013 at a mean age of 10.3 years (range 1.4 to 15.5). Surgical indication was sequelae of neurogenic or nonneurogenic neurogenic bladder (such as infection or worsening hydronephrosis) in 5 patients, reversal of vesicostomy in 3 and closure of cloacal exstrophy in 1. All 9 patients were thought incapable of reliable clean intermittent catheterization due to family unwillingness, poor social support or patient refusal. Median followup was 11.5 months (mean 48.2, range 1.3 to 144.8). Immediate postoperative complications included ileus requiring total parenteral nutrition and a wound infection in 1 patient. Long-term complications included urinary tract infection in 2 patients (febrile in 1 and positive culture for foul smelling urine in 1), stomal issues in 2 and temporary urethral leakage in 1. Constipation affected 3 children in long-term followup (all with neurogenic bowel preoperatively). Postoperative creatinine was stable or improved in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Ileovesicostomy is a viable approach in children left with few other options, particularly those who are noncompliant or physically/socially unable to handle catheterization. This operation can help keep such patients out of diapers.

Supine and upright urodynamic evaluation of incontinent ileovesicostomy in wheelchair-bound adults with neurogenic bladder

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate detrusor leak point pressure (DLPP) of the incontinent ileovesicostomy in the supine and upright position.

SETTING

California, USA.

METHODS

Urodynamic assessment of patients, 6-36 months after ileovesicostomy, was performed in the supine position and then immediately repeated in the upright position in the patient's wheelchair.

RESULTS

Upright and supine urodynamic evaluation was performed following the Good Urodynamic Practice Guidelines. Ten patients (seven male and three female) were evaluated. Etiology of neurogenic bladder (NGB) included seven patients with spinal cord injury and one patient each with multiple sclerosis, myelomeningocele and cerebral palsy. Mean DLLP in the supine position was 8.6 cm H2O (range 2-20); mean DLLP in the sitting position was 11.6 cm H2O (range 5-25). Mean change in DLPP from supine to sitting was 3.1 cm H2O (range 1-12). The difference in DLPP between supine and sitting is statistically significant (P=0.0429); however, this does not appear to be a clinically significant difference.

CONCLUSION

Ileovesicostomy is a safe option for management of the NGB in a selected patient population. A small and clinically insignificant or no change in DLPP was documented in all ten patients. We demonstrated that DLPP remains low within an ileovesicostomy while in the sitting position.

Ileovesicostomy update: changes for the 21st century

Objectives. To review the literature regarding ileovesicostomy and evaluate our patient population for clinical characteristics. Methods. Various surgical reconstructive techniques allow management of difficult clinical scenarios involving patients with neurogenic bladder, irretraceable lower urinary tract symptoms, lower urinary tract disaster, and urethrocutaneous fistulae. One such reconstructive technique employed is the ileovesicostomy. This procedure provides patients with a low-pressure urinary conduit utilizing the ileum and native bladder that empties without catheterization. We describe our patient population who underwent ileovesicostomy for 5 consecutive years ending 2007 at Detroit Receiving Hospital. Results. Most common diagnosis was neurogenic bladder secondary to spinal cord injury. Our population and clinical outcomes are similar to those previously reported in the literature. Conclusions. Based on our experience, we suggest that patients with severe lower urinary tract symptoms and who are unable to perform clean intermittent catheterization and/or refractory to medical therapy ileovesicostomy should be the procedure of choice.

Robotic-assisted ileovesicostomy: initial results

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted ileovesicostomy in treating patients with a neurogenic bladder that is unsuitable for clean intermittent self-catheterization.

METHODS

Robotic-assisted ileovesicostomy was performed using a 5-port approach for patients with a neurogenic bladder unable to tolerate clean intermittent or chronic bladder catheterization. Intraperitoneal operative steps included the creation of a full thickness U-shaped posterior bladder wall flap, intracorporeal harvesting of 15 cm of terminal ileum for use as a urinary conduit, and intracorporeal enterovesical anastomosis. Then, a counter incision was made over the marked stoma site on the abdominal wall, and bowel continuity was restored through an extracorporeal side-side anastomosis by the stomal incision. Ileovesicostomy stoma maturation was then completed.

RESULTS

Eight robotic ileovesicostomies were performed. The median patient age was 53 years, body mass index was 29.0 kg/m(2), and preoperative bladder compliance was 5.7 mL/cm/H(2)O. The median blood loss was 100 mL. The median operative time was 330 minutes (range 240-420). No intraoperative complications occurred. Four patients had postoperative complications, including urethral incontinence (2) and ileus (2). No wound complications occurred. Bowel function returned after a median of 4.8 days after surgery, and median hospital stay was 7.7 days. Over a median 14-month follow-up, all patients had a functioning ileovesicostomy, and median postoperative residual bladder volume was 10 mL.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to describe the robotic ileovesicostomy procedure. Robotic ileovesicostomy appears to be safe and effective, with low morbidity.

EAU guidelines on neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction

CONTEXT

Most patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) require life-long care to maintain their quality of life (QoL) and to maximise life expectancy.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a summary of the 2008 version of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on NLUTD and to assess the effectiveness of currently available diagnostic tools, particularly ultrasound imaging and urodynamics.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The recommendations provided in the 2008 EAU guidelines on NLUTD are based on a review of the literature, using online searches of Medline and other source documents published between 2004 and 2007. A level of evidence and/or a grade of recommendation have been assigned to the guidelines where possible.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

NLUTD encompasses a wide spectrum of pathologies, and patients often require life-long, intensive medical care to maximise their life-expectancy and to maintain their QoL. Treatment must be tailored to the needs of the individual patient and, in many cases, involves a multidisciplinary team of experts. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential if irreversible deterioration of both the upper and lower urinary tracts are to be avoided. Therapeutic decisions are made on the basis of a comprehensive medical assessment, including urodynamics to identify the type of dysfunction. Advances in investigative technologies have facilitated the noninvasive and conservative management of patients who have NLUTD.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis and treatment of NLUTD, which is a highly specialised and complex field involving both urology and medicine, requires up-to-date expert advice to be readily available. The current guidelines are designed to fulfil this need.

Ileovesicostomy for adults with neurogenic bladders: complications and potential risk factors for adverse outcomes

AIMS

Risk factors for complications following ileovesicostomy have not been well defined. This study's purpose was to examine outcomes following ileovesicostomy in adults and identify possible risk factors that may contribute to post-operative complications.

METHODS

Retrospective database review identified ileovesicostomy procedures from August 1999 to September 2003. Demographic, pre-operative, and post-operative data were extracted. Statistical analysis determined whether risk factors influenced outcomes of urethral continence, re-operation, and post-operative complications. Factors included age, tobacco use, diabetes, neurogenic bladder etiology, body mass index, pre-operative indwelling catheterization, or simultaneous procedures including pubovaginal sling/urethral closure.

RESULTS

50 adults status-post ileovesicostomy were identified. At last follow-up, 36 patients (72%) were continent per urethra. The incidence of complications decreased significantly from 3.38 per patient to 1.16 post-operatively (P < 0.0001). Twenty-seven averaged 1.52 inflammatory or infectious post-operative complications per patient, 19 averaged 1.47 stomal complications, and 11 averaged 2.09 ileovesicostomy mechanical obstructions. Overall, 27 required 2.85 re-operations or additional procedures following ileovesicostomy. Sub-group analysis identified BMI (P = 0.0569) as a possible risk factor. Differences in outcomes based on age, tobacco use, diabetes, neurogenic bladder etiology, pre-operative indwelling catheterization, or urethral closure were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Ileovesicostomy is a valuable management option for adults with neurogenic bladder unable to perform intermittent catheterization. The incidence of urinary tract comorbid events significantly decreased following ileovesicostomy though the onset of other complications should be considered. The morbidity associated with ileovesicostomy requires careful patient selection, close long-term follow-up, and potential subsequent interventions to address post-operative complications.

Chapitre B-5 B - Dérivation cutanée non continente en neuro-urologie

Non-continent urinary diversions can be proposed temporarily in neurological patients or at end-stage. They are especially proposed in patients in chronic retention in whom intermittent catheterization cannot be performed for anatomical or practical reasons (severity of neurological handicap). In this study, the authors present the various non-continent urinary diversions reported in the literature, describing the technical modalities of each diversion, their main complications and their short-term, medium-term and long-term results.

Incontinent ileovesicostomy in the management of neurogenic bladder dysfunction

AIMS

To report outcome and urodynamic follow-up of incontinent ileovesicostomy in quadriplegic patients with neurogenic bladder.

METHODS

Seven patients (five male, two female; mean age, 33.7 yr) with neurogenic bladder underwent ileovesicostomy for management of leakage or complications of chronic catheter drainage. Five had chronic indwelling catheters: three suprapubic and two urethral. Preoperatively, all had upper tract evaluation and videourodynamics. All seven patients had detrusor hyperreflexia. Preoperative detrusor leak point pressures averaged 42.7 cm H(2)O. Two females had intrinsic sphincteric deficiency from prolonged Foley catheter drainage. Ileovesicostomy involves isolation of a 15-20-cm segment of terminal ileum. The proximal 6-8 cm of this segment is opened on the antimesenteric border. The dome of the bladder is opened widely in a transverse manner and the proximal portion of the bowel is sutured onto the bladder. The distal portion of the ileum remains tubularized and becomes the stoma.

RESULTS

There were no intraoperative complications. Operative time averaged 159 minutes. Associated procedures included removal of bladder calculus (n = 1), pubovaginal sling (n = 2), and Marshall Marchetti Krantz suspension (n = 1). Mean blood loss was <200 cc in six patients. Mean hospital stay was 8 days. Complications in two patients included: fascial stenosis requiring stoma revision (n = 1), wound infection (n = 1), and postoperative ileus (n = 1). Mean follow-up was 37.4 months. Postoperatively, mean detrusor leak point pressures were 16.7 cm H(2)O (P = 0.0061). Patient satisfaction is high with only one complaint of occasional difficulty fitting the appliance.

CONCLUSIONS

Ileovesicostomy is an effective method of urinary drainage in quadriplegic patients. Detrusor leak point pressures were lowered, and upper tracts were preserved. No long-term complications were encountered.

Neurogenic bladder management and cutaneous non-continent ileal conduit

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective monocentric follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the results of cutaneous non-continent diversion for neurogenic bladder management.

SETTINGS

Department of Urology (Pitié-Salpétrière Hospital), Department of Neurological Rehabilitation (Raymond Poincaré Hospital), Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, University Paris VI and V.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of 33 consecutive patients (19 women, 14 men), operated between 1979 and 1999. Twenty-one patients had spinal cord injury (SCI), four had multiple sclerosis, three had various forms of myelitis and five had central neurological diseases. Diversion was indicated for upper urinary tract protection (17), perineal dryness (14) and/or functional or social reasons (20). Before the operation, 20 of the 33 patients (60.6%) presented urologic complications related to bladder management, including triggered micturition, indwelling catheter or intermittent catheterization: urethrocutaneous fistula (4), complicated enterocystoplasty (2), watering pot perineum and severe decubitus ulcerations (14). Ileal conduit (also named ileoureterostomy) was performed alone for 19 patients (57.6%), and in combination with simultaneous cystectomy in 14 patients. We reviewed patient outcome and early and late complications.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 48 months (1 to 20 years). All problems related to catheters or incontinence had resolved. There were no deaths or early re-operations. Twelve patients (12 out of 33, 36%) had one or more peri-operative complication, including ileus (1), uretero-ileal anastomosis leak (1) and sepsis (1). During follow-up, four of the 19 patients who did not undergo cystectomy developed pyocystitis (3 secondary cystectomies performed between 6 and 56 months). All patients achieved perineal dryness.

CONCLUSIONS

The ileal conduit procedure is a safe and well-tolerated procedure in neurologically impaired patients. This procedure is suitable for most neurogenic patients with refractory lower urinary tract dysfunctions.

Bladder, Bowel, and Sexual Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

The majority of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience genitourinary and bowel dysfunction over the course of their illness. Lower extremity pyramidal signs are excellent predictors of concurrent bladder dysfunction. Constipation is the most common bowel dysfunction, which results from a range of causes including pelvic floor spasticity, decreased gastro-colic reflex, inadequate hydration, medications, immobility, poor physical conditioning, and weak abdominal muscles. Despite the advent of new therapeutic modalities, the physician and patient commonly overlook sexual dysfunction. A detailed history of the patient is crucial to determine the cause of the dysfunction. Fatigue, pain, mood disorders, spasticity, bowel, and bladder dysfunction can all interfere with normal sexual functioning, and these subjects should be explored in detail in order to plan for proper treatment. Integrated treatment plans, often in conjunction with an urologist, can lead to amelioration of symptoms.

Management of neurogenic bladder dysfunction with incontinent ileovesicostomy

OBJECTIVES

Incontinent ileovesicostomy is an alternative form of urinary management applied to patients with neurogenic vesical dysfunction who are either unable or unwilling to perform clean intermittent self-catheterization or assisted catheterization. We review our operative results, urodynamic data, and complications observed in patients who underwent creation of incontinent ileovesicostomy at our institution.

METHODS

Thirteen patients (mean age 43.2 years) with neurogenic bladder dysfunction underwent an incontinent ileovesicostomy between 1994 and 1998. The etiologies of the neurogenic bladder dysfunction were spinal cord injury in 8 patients, multiple sclerosis in 4 patients, and tuberculous meningitis in 1 patient. The preoperative data, surgical records, urodynamic findings, and postoperative complications were assessed.

RESULTS

All patients experienced complications of their pretreatment bladder management. The mean operating room time was 242 minutes (range 170 to 395), including 14 additional procedures in 1 1 patients. The mean estimated blood loss was 403.8 mL (range 50 to 2000). No patient required blood transfusion. There were no intraoperative complications. Only 1 patient required reoperation for stomal revision. One patient had a ureteral stone 2 years after surgery; 1 patient has continued to have urinary tract infections despite a negative workup. The mean follow-up was 23 months (range 6 to 57). The mean bladder leak point pressure through the stoma was 8.2 cm H2O.

CONCLUSIONS

The incontinent ileovesicostomy is a useful technique in the treatment of patients with neurogenic bladder unable to perform clean intermittent catheterization. It provides patients with a low-pressure urinary conduit that empties readily without an in dwelling catheter.

Advantages and risks of ileovesicostomy for the management of neuropathic bladder

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and complications of ileovesicostomy in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

METHODS

Fifteen consecutive neurologically impaired patients (8 from multiple sclerosis, 4 from spinal cord injury, 3 from other causes) with complications of previous bladder management underwent ileovesicostomy. There were 10 women and 5 men. All patients were either poor candidates for or refused continent urinary diversion or bladder augmentation cystoplasty.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 23.2 months, 14 of 15 patients had low-pressure urine drainage through their ileovesicostomy. Four women with documented preoperative detrusor hyperreflexia had postoperative intermittent mild urge incontinence per native urethra. They did not require any further treatment, except for oral anticholinergic drugs (oxybutynin and tolterodine). Because of persistent severe urge incontinence, 1 woman required conversion of her ileovesicostomy to an ileal conduit with concurrent cystectomy. The ileovesicostomy of another myelodysplastic man who had four failed artificial urinary sphincters in the past was also converted to an ileal conduit because of persistent urethroperineal fistula despite perineal urethral closure. Renal function was preserved in all patients. Long-term complications were stomal stenosis in 2 patients, bladder and kidney stone formation in 5, and symptomatic urinary tract infections in 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Ileovesicostomy can be safely performed in neurologically impaired women and men. Severe preoperative detrusor hyperreflexia with urge incontinence appears to be a risk factor for persistent urge incontinence postoperatively in women. Continued routine urologic surveillance for infection and stones is mandatory. Ileovesicostomy is a versatile procedure for neurologically impaired patients, because it can be converted to a conventional ileal conduit if necessary. In addition, in cases of neural recovery, the ileal "chimney" can be excised and the patient's original lower urinary tract would be preserved.

Reconstructive surgery for urinary incontinence

The clinical urologist often is faced with the referral of a patient with urinary incontinence refractory to conservative measures. Given the broad spectrum of causes of urinary incontinence, the clinician must base evaluation and therapeutic management on current principles of urinary tract pathophysiology. This article organizes the pertinent diagnostic considerations that must be addressed in guiding the clinician to the appropriate surgical treatment option.

Ileovesicostomy as an alternative form of bladder management in tetraplegic patients

OBJECTIVES

Bladder management in tetraplegic patients traditionally has been intermittent catheterization by a caretaker, placement of indwelling suprapubic or urethral catheters, sphincterotomy and external catheter drainage, or supravesical urinary diversion with an ileal conduit. The aim of this study was to examine the ileovesicostomy as an alternative form of bladder management in such patients.

METHODS

We report our experience with ileovesicostomy as an incontinent cutaneous urinary diversion not requiring ureteral reimplantation. Six tetraplegic patients who had experienced significant morbidity with their preoperative form of bladder management were managed with an ileovesicostomy fashioned like a funnel from the bladder dome to the right lower quadrant. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative fluoroscopic and urodynamic evaluations. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and followed postoperatively with serum chemistries, upper urinary tract imaging, and urine bacteriologic studies.

RESULTS

There were no perioperative complications. Postoperative urodynamics demonstrated subjects to have a mean stomal leak-point pressure of 7.7 cm H2O (range 5 to 10). Radiographically, patients carried low urinary residuals (less than 100 cc) and did not exhibit vesicoureteral reflux. In follow-up of 12 to 15 months, no patient has demonstrated calculus formation, hydronephrosis, autonomic dysreflexia, or worsening renal function.

CONCLUSIONS

This procedure successfully creates continuous urinary drainage without catheterization, while maintaining the native antireflux mechanism of the ureterovesical junction and avoiding indwelling foreign materials in the urinary tract. Longer follow-up with more cases will be necessary to confirm these findings and to support a recommendation of the incontinent ileovesicostomy as a standard method for managing the neurogenic bladder in tetraplegic patients.

Physiological principles for surgical correction of detrusor dysfunction

Urinary incontinence may be the result of various forms of detrusor overactivity. Several surgical therapies have been devised, but with the exception of procedures to relieve urethral obstruction, none abolishes the overactivity or restores normal micturition. In general, ablative neurosurgery is considered only in patients with chronic neurologic disease. Bladder augmentation is useful in selected patients. The indications for urinary diversion in patients with detrusor overactivity and urge incontinence are quite limited.